Dog days of summer

By Maha Kashani

Photo: Join the Dayton Dogs Unleashed meetup group

The dog days of summer are here! What do you and your furry friends have in store? Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for you and your best pal, or a fun way to support our local two and four legged community, you’ve got a few options in store.

Miss Maha’s “Can’t miss it” pick of the month

Battle of the Badges Sunday, July 27 at 2 p.m. at Fifth Third Field

Each year, the Dayton Police Department and the Dayton Fire Department team up with the Dayton Dragons to host “Battle of the Badges,” a charity softball game immediately following a Dragons game. This year, the beneficiary will be the Humane Society of Greater Dayton who will be on hand with adoptable pets looking for their new homes. Tickets cost $16 each and include entry into the Dayton Dragons vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels game. Five dollars from every ticket goes directly to help homeless pets in need at the Humane Society. What’s better than the opportunity to catch a game, support a worthy charity and leave with a new best friend? Tickets can be purchased at daytondragons.com/badges with special code “Dragons.” To learn more, please visit HSDayton.org.

Miss Maha’s Best Bets to:

Immortalize your pet

Professional animal trainers, Barb and Gary Gay, have developed a unique way of communicating with animals to build trust and mutual understanding, which led them to start That Pet Photo Studio. This duo has been able to use their amazing talents to capture the special bond that exists between an owner and their special friend through beautiful pet portraits. Whether you want to immortalize your special friend in the Centerville studio, on their farm in Spring Valley or at a special location of interest to you (they travel all over the Miami Valley), That Pet Photo Studio can help you preserve memories to last you a life time. ThatPetStudio.com

Patio dining with your dog

Grab your furry friend and head over to the Historic Oregon District for some cold drinks and delicious eats on one of these pet-friendly patios:

Lily’s Bistro, located at 329 E. Fifth St., serves “fresh, fun, seasonal food and drinks” for you and your furry friend on their front patio during all hours of operations. Lilysbistro.com

Blind Bob’s, located at 430 E. Fifth St., hosts a special dog-friendly happy hour on their patio every Tuesday from 4 – 8 p.m. Come thirsty, this weekly “Yappy Hour” event features many drink specials such as $2 Summer Shandy pints. blindbobs.com

Treat your furry friend

Dayton Dogs Unleashed, a Dayton meetup group for “people interested in socializing, being active and generally doing more with their dogs,” hosts various doggie events in and around the Dayton Region. Some of the most popular events are monthly ice cream outings hosted for dogs and their humans. Although the name of the group might be deceiving, the following are both considered “on leash” events:

“Dog’s night at Graeter’s” takes place the first Thursday of every month at the Graeter’s Ice Cream located at 2330-A N. Fairfield Road in Beavercreek. Your four-legged furry friend will receive a special treat.

“Ritter’s Dogs Night Out” takes place on the first Monday of every month at the Ritter’s Frozen Custard located at 2226 Wilmington Pike in Kettering. All day until close, canines can enjoy a free scoop of vanilla custard while you enjoy a frozen treat of your own.

To learn about more Dogs Unleashed events, please visit meetup.com/Dayton-Dogs-Unleashed.

Make your dog a champion

Looking for a unique off-road doggie competition? Grab your furry friend and head to the scenic Eastwood Metropark, located at 1385 Harshman Rd. in Dayton, on Saturday, Oct. 4 for the 2014 Ruff Run 5K. With divisions ranging from leisurely strollers to hardcore runners, you and your furry friend will enjoy a fun morning run along the beautiful tree-lined trails near the Mad River. Following the race, everyone is welcome to a special brunch and awards ceremony awarding the Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Overall. All runners receive a T-shirt and all proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Early registration is $20. For more information, please visit metroparks.org.

Be sure to check out all the other great stories in this week’s Dayton City Paper to learn about more ways that you and your pet can stay entertained. Remember, make sure you keep hydrated and, as always, stay entertained my friends!